DENVER, COLORADO - SEPTEMBER 27: Running back Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rushes in front of outside linebacker Jeremiah Attaochu #97 of the Denver Broncos during the first quarter at Empower Field At Mile High on September 27, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Fans always see the starters on a team as the first 11 on the field, but one thing we have learned in the evolving NFL is that teams need much more than 11 to field a complete defense. From nickel to dime and back to base, as well as depth on the trenches, a defense will usually rely much closer on 15 starters than 11 when things are said and done.